Usually, when I’m trying to find a store close to me I go to Yahoo! Maps and type in my address to get a map of where I am. Then I use the toolbar to the right to find restaurants, shops, etc that are in the area. This take up a bit of time but really does the trick.

Yesterday I discovered that Yahoo! has a new search category tool called “Local”. Once you click on the “Local” tab, you are given cells to type in what it is that you’re looking for and the address of the area in which you’d like to find the item. Then it gives you a list including the address, phone number, and website url for the places where you may find your item. Pretty cool little tool!

I used it to find an inexpensive smoking pipe for Joe’s costume tonight. We’re headed to a 1920’s inspired Murder Mystery party, thrown by some friends of ours that live in Long Beach. Anyway, I was at work and so typed in that address and the words “smoking pipe” and viola! I found a smoking shop down the street that sells cheapie wooden pipes for $15. Problem solved!

Check out this tool at www.yahoo.com…take a peek at the “Local” tab at the top.